Uprootmap
Austin vs McAllen
Austin and McAllen
Photo: Theunderratedtaco / Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.
Other cities
So you know: homicide deaths in McAllen are under the US rate in this release, 3.6 versus 6.5 per 100,000. CDC via County Health Rankings, CDC NVSS 2017–2023 (CHR 2025 release).
Why people look at Austin to McAllen
In 2022-2023, 455 households filed a move from Austin to McAllen (about 718 people, average adjusted gross income $58,653). 680 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.
A one-bedroom asking rent is about $1,221 in Austin and $863 in McAllen. Austin has no state tax on wages. McAllen has no state tax on wages. Local pay in McAllen is 80% of the national level for the same work, against 104% in Austin.
McAllen averages 237 sunny days, with July highs around 97°F and January nights around 55°F. Austin is 228 sunny days, 97°F in July, 43°F in January. Commutes average 23 minutes in McAllen and 27 in Austin.
These figures are projections built from available public data. Conditions change, and the numbers may not reflect current prices, taxes, or immigration rules. Check official sources before you make decisions.
Who already made this move
In 2022-2023, 455 households moved Austin → McAllen (about 718 people, average AGI $58,653). 680 households went the other way.
Source: IRS SOI county-to-county migration. Not a moving company; not a recommendation.
The monthly number is take-home pay minus rent and the other bills. The gap between Austin and McAllen changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.
What the move itself costs
About 322 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.
- Full-service mover
- $1,900–$3,550
- Container or pod
- $1,300–$2,400
- Rent a truck
- $550–$1,000
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Dig into McAllen
Questions
Is McAllen cheaper than Austin after tax and rent?
Yes. McAllen leaves about $527 more a month, so the cost of living is lower there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $1,221 in Austin and $863 in McAllen.
Does McAllen have state income tax?
McAllen is in Texas, which has no state income tax.
Did people actually move from Austin to McAllen?
Yes, when the IRS published that flow. The count and their average income are on this page. Leftover prices the same household in both cities.